Celebrating 50 Years of Animal Rescue!

29th June 2018

July 2 marks the 50th anniversary of the Humane Society of Summit County! We were founded in 1968 to address pet overpopulation, enforcement of humane laws and the protection of animals, and have grown to be our community’s leading resource for animal rescue, humane law enforcement, adoption and education on pet ownership. Over the past 50 years, HSSC has provided compassionate rescue services, veterinary treatment, and secure futures to over 50,000 pets. Today, we are proudly the largest pet rescue and shelter in Summit County. We work tirelessly to eliminate animal cruelty and neglect and provide lifesaving services to primarily the abandoned, abused, sick and injured animals of Summit County.

A Look at Our History

Over the years, the Humane Society of Summit County has changed and evolved in response to the needs of the community and vulnerable animals. Starting in the early 70’s, agents began to respond to emergency medical calls and reports of animal cruelty, and before long we began the work of sheltering homeless animals. Housing of rescues was first conducted in partnership with Summit County Animal Control where 20 cages were rented and managed by volunteers of HSSC. By 1972, the operation had grown to the point of requiring office space first located at 1755 W. Market St. then later moving to 572 W. Market St. in Akron.

In the 1980’s, HSSC took on more of a public awareness role and began publishing a semi-annual educational newsletter and bringing adoptable animals to the community through media outlets and visitation programs we conducted in partnership with area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. HSSC made the leap to operating our own stand-alone shelter in 1986 with a move to a historic farm property on Quick Rd. in Cuyahoga Valley National Park where rescued dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife were rehabilitated. In 2011, HSSC took ownership of its current facility on Darrow Rd. in Twinsburg that provides ample indoor and outdoor space to house and exercise companion animals, a fully-equipped veterinary suite with in-house surgical capabilities, and mobile adoption services bringing animals to residents throughout Summit County.

Celebrating 50 Years, and 50,000 Animals Saved!

To celebrate this important anniversary the Humane Society of Summit County is holding a 50th Anniversary Celebration picnic at the FOP Lodge at 2610 Ley Dr. in Akron on Saturday, July 21st from 1pm to 5pm. The family-friendly event hosted by the organization’s board of directors will feature a dog ‘n’ suds picnic, cash bar, live music by Roxxymoron, activities for children, raffles, adoptable animals, and more. Tickets may be purchased for $8 in advance of the event ($10 at the door) on the organization's website at summithumane.org/50years or by calling 234-212-9826. Children 5 and under are free to attend.

Support our Work!

Because HSSC is independent of any national organizations, we rely on the broad support of the Summit County community through the investment of over 8,000 donors, 100 corporate and small business partners, and the dedicated service of more than 600 active volunteers. HSSC rescues Summit County’s companion animals that are victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment as well as sick and injured strays. Over 2500 animals are saved from these situations each year and provided secure futures through adoption.